RIP, AMC and OLTL: Stars From Daytime and Primetime Sound Off on ABC's Scrubbed Soaps

The final stage of grief — Acceptance — is still a ways off for the casts, crews and viewers of All My Children and One Life to Live, the pair of long-running soaps ABC has decided to cancel as of September and January, respectively. But the first stage, Denial, seemingly is behind us, if only because rumors of the possible (evil) twin killing swirled weeks ago.

In the wake of ABC Daytime boss Brian Frons handing down the official word, here is what some soap stars present and past — as well as a few primetime peers — had to say about the saddest news to hit the TV biz in a while. Some shared regrets, some shared thanks, some shared memories… and Robin Strasser, bless her, as usual shared just a little bit more.

Erika Slezak (Viki, One Life to Live): “Please tell all our fans how deeply sorry I am to be losing this wonderful show that has so much heart and so much life. I will miss my work, my friends, my OLTL family so very much. I consider this to be a terrible loss to the television community and especially to the New York community.”

Susan Lucci (Erica, All My Children): “It saddens me that All My Children is canceled. I’ve loved playing Erica Kane and working with Agnes Nixon and the incredible people at AMC…. To my loyal fans, thank you for the outpouring of spirit and support. Your kind words mean so very much to me.”

Dancing With the Stars‘ Marlee Matlin: “Who imagined that the Welcome to Pine Valley sign would ever come down? All My Children axed. Goodbye, Erica Kane. You were GREAT. I remember how excited I was to meet Ruth Warwick, aka Phoebe Tyler and Susan Lucci, THE Erica Kane. Wonderful AMC memories.”

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, General Hospital): “I know this will come as a shock, but I’m actually at a loss for words. Been sitting here since morning and still can’t think of anything profound to say about loss of daytime heirlooms. Guess I’ll just keep drinking. First toast; Soap fans are the f’in best fans on this planet! Clink. Second toast; Cheers to AMC and OLTL for entertaining us for 43 years, five-days-a-week of ass-kicking soap. We appreciate you and salute you.”

Laura Wright (Carly, GH): “Wow, I can’t believe this news – this is a sad day. My heart goes out to the cast, crew and production of AMC and OLTL. Yes, let’s fight for GH! And I hope we see some familiar faces!! Very talented people on these shows!”